Jerusalem -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Israel Chamber Orchestra performed works of Adolf Hitler 's favorite composer Richard Wagner in Germany on Tuesday in the composer 's home town of Bayreuth .

Israeli orchestras have held back from performing Wagner 's music in the past because of its use in Nazi propaganda during World War II . The 19th century composer was known for his anti Semitic views and performances of his music in Israel are considered insensitive to survivors of the Holocaust and many other Israelis .

Conductor of the orchestra Roberto Paternostro said on Israeli TV it was time to separate Wagner 's world view from his music . `` He was a great composer and the aim in the year 2011 is to divide the man from his art , '' he said .

This was the first time an Israeli orchestra played Wagner in Germany .

Uri Hanok head of the Holocaust Survivors Union to Prevent the Playing of Wagner , told CNN , `` When I heard that an Israeli orchestra was to play Wagner in Germany I could not sleep . Wagner despised Jews , it was evident in all his writings . While there are still survivors alive , his music should not be played in Israel and certainly not by an Israeli orchestra . ''

Paternostro said at a news conference , `` There was n't a moment when I had any doubts about this project it was my greatest conviction to bring these two sides Israel and Wagner together . '' Paternostros mother and other relatives were Holocaust survivors . `` I know that in Israel this is not accepted , but many people have told me its time we confront Wagner especially those in the younger generation '' the conductor said .

Israel 's state owned TV and radio still keep Wagner off the air . In 2001 the world renowned conductor Daniel Barenboim angered many Israelis when he played Wagner 's music in Israel .

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Conductor says it is time to separate Wagner 's world view from his music

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The 19th century composer was known for his anti Semitic views

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Performances of his music in Israel are considered insensitive to survivors of the Holocaust